Safe electrical initiation plug for electric detonators

ABSTRACT

A device for initiating an electric detonator utilizing an open circuit to decrease occurrences of accidental detonation. The device may include an initiator housing, at least two conductor pins disposed through the initiator housing and spaced within the housing such that they are electrically isolated from one another, and a primer spot material disposed between the conductor pins. The primer spot material may be comprised of a mixture of reactive material and metal component. The primer spot material has electrical properties which provide resistance to conducting an electrical current to maintain an open circuit condition prior to occurrence of a breakdown voltage which is dependent upon the amount of metal component in the primer spot material. Subsequently, the primer spot material has electrical properties which provide a conductive medium on the occurrence of an electrical arc between the conductive pins that arises at voltages in excess of the breakdown voltage. Finally, the electrical properties are such that the electrical arc provides energy to form a plasma from the primer spot material, leading to initiation of the detonator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to detonation devices foruse in the detonation of explosives. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to electric initiation plugs.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] Detonators are used to initiate numerous types of explosivecharges, from industrial to military settings. One precise and easilycontrolled detonation system utilizes electric current to initiate theexplosive charge. These electric detonators typically consist of anelongated shell with an electrical ignition element at one end and anexplosive base charge enclosed at the other end. External initiatorleads extend through the ignition element and into the detonatorinterior, facing towards the base charge. A small bridge wire extendsacross the ends of the initiator leads, and is usually covered with asmall amount of explosive material. In order to detonate the device,electrical current is introduced across the initiator leads. The smalldiameter of the bridge wire creates resistance to the flow of electricalcurrent, generating heat. If the heat exceeds a critical temperature,the explosive material reacts, initiating the explosive reaction thatwill ultimately cause the detonation of the base charge. Additionally, adelay element may be disposed between the ignition element and the basecharge to regulate the time between the initiation of the explosivereaction and the detonation of the base charge.

[0005] The design of electric detonators utilizing the heating of abridge wire allows low electrical current signals to be employed. Thiscreates safety issues regarding the premature detonation of thesedevices. One of these issues relates to static electricity buildup.Static electricity from the environment or the individual using thedetonator may build up in the initiation leads and be discharged throughthe bridge wire, causing premature initiation of the explosive reactionand the detonation of the base charge, thus creating a potentiallydangerous situation for those individuals in the vicinity of the blast.One method utilized in an attempt to nullify this potentially dangeroussituation involves a shunt disposed across the initiator leads todischarge static buildup. Another method involves grounding theinitiator leads to the shell of the detonator and to ground, effectivelydischarging the static electricity away from the bridge wire. Thesesafety measures must be removed prior to detonation, however, creating apotentially dangerous situation at this point.

[0006] Another major safety issue involved with electric detonatorsconcerns RF radiation from radios and cell phones. If the length of theinitiator leads is a multiple of the wavelength of the RF radiation theleads may act as antennas, causing a small current to flow through thebridge wire and initiating the explosive reaction. One method utilizedin an attempt to reduce the safety hazards inherent to RF radiationminimizes the antenna affect of the initiator leads by winding them intoa bundle to reduce their length. The aforementioned safety methodsrelating to static electricity, namely utilizing a shunt across theinitiator leads and grounding the initiator leads to the detonatorshell, also serve to reduce the flow of small currents associated withRF radiation across the bridge wire. When the detonator is readied foruse, however, the initiator leads must be unwound and the shunts andgrounding devices removed, creating a potentially dangerous situationfor the operator.

[0007] Another safety issue may arise to individuals not associated withthe blasting operation. Some blasting, especially seismic gas and oilexploration, may be conducted in areas where the public has a great dealof access. The detonators may be buried in the ground well in advance ofthe scheduled blasting while other associated but remote sites aresimilarly prepared. In the interim between the placement of thedetonator and the detonation of the explosives the public may haveaccess to the site. If the initiator leads are found, the detonator canbe exploded by something as simple as a 1{fraction (1/2)} Volt battery.

[0008] The safety issues relating to the detonation of explosives aresignificant, and the explosives field has generally attempted to solvethese issues by developing mechanical measures such as shunting andgrounding to eliminate them. This is an effective technique while thedetonators are in transit, but these potential dangers return when thesafety measures are removed when they are being prepared for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Conventional detonator safety methods do not entirely eliminatethe threat of premature initiation. When the detonator is being coupledto an explosive and otherwise prepared for use the devices utilized toprovide safety protection need to be removed. During this period of timethe user of the detonator is at potential risk. The present inventionprovides an initiation plug that requires high voltage and highelectrical current to activate, thus reducing accidents caused by lowvoltage/low current sources.

[0010] The present invention provides an initiation device forinitiating an electric detonator utilizing an open circuit to decreaseoccurrences of accidental detonation. The device may include aninitiator housing, at least two conductor pins disposed through theinitiator housing and spaced within the housing such that they areelectrically isolated from one another, and a chemical primer spotmaterial disposed between the conductor pins. The primer spot materialmay be comprised of a mixture of reactive material and metal and/orconductive non-metal components. The primer spot material has electricalproperties which provide resistance to conducting an electrical currentto maintain an open circuit condition prior to occurrence of a breakdownvoltage which is dependent upon the amount of metal and other conductivecomponents in the primer spot material. Subsequently, the primer spotmaterial has electrical properties which provide a conductive medium onthe occurrence of an electrical arc between the conductive pins thatarises at voltages in excess of the breakdown voltage. Finally, theelectrical properties are such that the electrical arc provides energyto form a plasma from the primer spot material, leading to initiation ofthe detonator.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the detailed description which follows, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate,by way of example, features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a device for initiating anelectric detonator in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a devicefor initiating an electric detonator in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing an electricinitiation element for a detonator with a variable range of initiationvoltages in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing an electricinitiation element for a detonator in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

[0016]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of initiating an electricdetonator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used hereinto describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.Alterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of theinventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled inthe relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to beconsidered within the scope of the invention.

[0018] One of the major problems confronting those working in iheexplosives industry is the premature detonation of an explosive chargedue to static electricity, RF radiation from radio transmitters,cellular phones, etc. To address this problem, the inventor hasdeveloped an electrical initiation device that requires energy stored ina capacitor that, when applied to cause initiation, is significantlygreater than the energy created by static electricity or RF radiation.

[0019]FIGS. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an explosiveinitiation device for initiating an electric detonator utilizing an opencircuit to decrease occurrences of accidental detonation according toembodiments of the present invention. The initiation device 10 mayinclude an initiator housing 12 and at least two conductor pins 14. Theconductor pins 14 may be disposed through the initiator housing 12,spaced within the housing such that the conductor pins 14 areelectrically isolated from one another. The conductor pins 14 may bemade of a conductive material, an example of which is copper clad ironwire. The initiator housing 12 may be made from a nonconductive materialsuch as plastic, rubber, glass or other insulating material in order toelectrically isolate the conductor pins 14. Alternatively, embodimentsof this invention contemplate an initiator housing 12 made from aconductive material with a nonconductive insert surrounding theconductor pins 14 thus achieving electrical isolation.

[0020] This example embodiment of the initiation device 10 may alsoinclude primer spot material 16 disposed between the conductor pins 14.The primer spot material 16 may be comprised of a mixture of a reactivematerial and a metal component or a metal together with other non-metalconductive materials. The reactive material may be an explosive,examples of which may be, but are not limited to, HMX, RDX, and PETN,and any crystalline powder explosive in admixtures with each other andin mixtures of oxidizing chemicals. The metal component may be a varietyof conductive materials. For example, but not by way of limitation,aluminum powder, iron powder, steel powder, magnalium alloy, magnesium,or any combination of these materials. In addition, the metal componentmay include other conductive components, such as graphite, carbon,charcoal, zirconium, or any other conductive material with similarfunctional properties. For example, the primer spot material may includea mixture of HMX explosive and from about 8% to about 12% aluminumparticles by weight. More specifically, a primer spot material mixturemay be comprised of HMX explosive and about 10% aluminum particles byweight. Significant functional reliability has been achieved with amixture of HMX explosive and 9% each of aluminum powder and graphitepowder.

[0021] The primer spot material 16 has electrical properties whichprovide resistance to conducting electrical current to maintain an opencircuit condition up to a breakdown voltage which is dependent upon theamount of conductive component in the primer spot material.Subsequently, the primer spot material 16 has electrical propertieswhich provide a conductive medium on occurrence of an electrical arcbetween the conductive pins that arises at voltages in excess of thebreakdown voltage. Finally, the electrical properties are such that theelectrical arc provides energy to form a plasma from the primer spotmaterial.

[0022]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the initiation device 10 in which aferrule 19 is coupled to the initiator housing 12 at one end to encloseand hold the primer spot material 16. As further shown in FIG. 2, oneembodiment of the initiation device 10 may further include a detonatorhousing 18 coupled to the initiator housing 12. The primer spot materialis contained by the detonator housing 18 in a position which is directedtowards a primary explosive 22 followed by a base charge 24 of initiatorexplosive. The initiation device 10 may be inserted into the detonatorhousing 18 with or without a ferrule 19 attached.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method 30 of manufacturing an electricinitiation element for a detonator with a variable range of initiationvoltages according to an embodiment of the present invention. The firststep 32 of the method 30 may include providing an initiator housing. Thesecond step 34 of the method 30 may include disposing at least twoconductor pins through the initiator housing. The conductor pins may bespaced within the initiator housing such that they are electricallyisolated from one another, forming an open circuit. In one embodiment ofthe invention, conductor pins spaced at about {fraction (1/10)} inchapart (±0.005) produced good results. The open circuit assures that lowelectrical current from sources such as static electricity, RFradiation, and stray currents induced into the wire leads will beinsufficient to cause initiation. The conductor pins may be made of aconductive material, an example of which is copper clad iron wire. Theinitiator housing may be made from a nonconductive material such asplastic, rubber, glass or other insulating material in order toelectrically isolate the conductor pins. Alternatively, embodiments ofthis invention contemplate an initiator housing made from a conductivematerial with a nonconductive insert surrounding the conductor pins thusachieving electrical isolation.

[0024] The third step 36 of the method 30 may include providing areactive material. The reactive material may be an explosive, examplesof which may be, but are not limited to, HMX, RDX, PETN, and anycrystalline powder explosive in admixtures with each other and inmixtures of oxidizing chemicals. The fourth step 38 of the method 30 mayinclude determining an amount of conductive component to achieve a rangeof conduction initiation voltages. The conductive component may be avariety of conductive materials. For example, but not by way oflimitation, aluminum powder, iron powder, steel powder, magnalium alloy,magnesium, zirconium, graphite, carbon, charcoal, any combination ofthese materials, or any other conductive material with similarfunctional properties. The fifth step 40 of the method 30 may includemixing the reactive material and the conductive component to form aprimer spot material. The initiation voltage is defined as the voltageat which the open circuit experiences breakdown with conduction ofelectrical current. The primer spot material has electrical propertieswhich provide resistance to conducting electrical current to maintainthe open circuit condition up to the breakdown voltage. The breakdownvoltage is dependent upon the amount of conductive component in theprimer spot material, and may be altered by varying the amount ofconductive component that is mixed with the reactive material to formthe primer spot material. Additionally, the primer spot material haselectrical properties which provide a subsequent conductive medium onoccurrence of an electrical arc between the conductive pins that arisesat voltages in excess of the breakdown voltage. Finally, the electricalproperties are such that the electrical arc provides energy to form aplasma from the primer spot material.

[0025] The sixth step 42 of the method 30 may include coupling a ferruleto the initiator housing. In a subsequent step 44, a slurry may becreated from the primer spot material and a lacquer such as, but notlimited to, a nitrocellulose lacquer. The slurry may then be applied 46to the conductor pins within the ferrule. The method of disposing theprimer spot material between the conductor pins is not limited herein,and may be accomplished by any means known in the art.

[0026] Additionally, a detonator may be coupled 48 to the ferrule. Inone embodiment of the invention, the ferrule and initiator housing maybe inserted into a detonator housing. This method should in no way belimited by the use of the ferrule, and it is contemplated that othermeans of containing the primer spot material and coupling the initiatorto the detonator are included within its scope.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 60 of manufacturing an electricinitiation element for a detonator. The first step 62 of the method 60may include providing an initiator housing. The second step 64 of themethod 60 may include disposing at least two conductor pins through theinitiator housing. The conductor pins may be spaced within the initiatorhousing such that they are electrically isolated from one another,forming an open circuit. The open circuit assures that low power energysources such as static electricity and RF radiation will be insufficientto cause initiation. The conductor pins may be made of a conductivematerial, an example of which is copper clad iron wire. The initiatorhousing may be made from a nonconductive material such as plastic,rubber, glass or other insulating material in order to electricallyisolate the conductor pins. Alternatively, embodiments of this inventioncontemplate an initiator housing made from a conductive material with anonconductive insert surrounding the conductor pins thus achievingelectrical isolation.

[0028] The third step 66 of the method 60 includes coupling a ferrule tothe initiator housing. In a subsequent step 68, a slurry may be createdfrom primer spot material and a lacquer such as, but not limited to, anitrocellulose lacquer. The slurry may then be applied 70 to theconductor pins within the ferrule. The primer spot material may becomprised of a mixture of a reactive material and a metal component. Thereactive material may be an explosive, examples of which may be, but arenot limited to, HMX, RDX, and PETN, and any crystalline powder explosivein admixtures with each other and in mixtures of oxidizing chemicals.The metal component may be a variety of conductive materials. Forexample, but not by way of limitation, aluminum powder, iron powder,steel powder, magnalium alloy, magnesium, zirconium, graphite, carbon,charcoal, any combination of these materials, or any other conductivematerial with similar functional properties. The primer spot materialhas electrical properties which provide resistance to conductingelectrical current to maintain an open circuit condition. Subsequently,the primer spot material has electrical properties which provide aconductive medium on occurrence of an electrical arc between theconductive pins. Finally, the electrical properties are such that theelectrical arc provides energy to form a plasma from the primer spotmaterial.

[0029] Additionally, a detonator may be coupled 72 to the ferrule. Inone embodiment of the invention, the ferrule and initiator housing maybe inserted into a detonator housing. This method should in no way belimited by the use of the ferrule, and it is contemplated that othermeans of containing the primer spot material and coupling the initiatorto the detonator are included within its scope.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 80 of initiating an electricdetonator. The first step 82 of the method 80 may include providing anopen circuit across a primer spot material. The primer spot material maybe comprised of a mixture of a reactive material and a conductivecomponent. The reactive material may be an explosive, examples of whichmay be, but are not limited to, HMX, RDX, and PETN, and any crystallinepowder explosive in admixtures with each other and in mixtures ofoxidizing chemicals. The conductive component may be a variety ofconductive materials. For example, but not by way of limitation,aluminum powder, iron powder, steel powder, magnalium alloy, magnesium,zirconium, graphite, carbon, charcoal, any combination of thesematerials, or any other conductive material with similar functionalproperties. The second step 84 of the method 80 may include applying asufficiently high voltage to the open circuit to cause the primer spotmaterial to ionize. The sufficiently high voltage may be a DC currentsupplied by a charged capacitor that is applied across the primer spotmaterial at a negative input region and a positive input region. Theprimer spot material close to the negative input region gets anabundance of electrons and becomes negatively charged. Likewise, theprimer spot material near the positive input region has electrons drawnaway, and the absence of electrons causes it to become positivelycharged. The atoms within the primer spot material that are effectivelycharged by this process are the metal component, the reactive material,the air gaps between the metal component and the reactive material, andalso the air above the primer spot material near the negative andpositive input regions. The reactive material may be non-conductive or agood insulator. Like any insulator, including air, it will break downand conduct under the energy of the right voltage. Thus the applicationof a sufficiently high voltage DC current across the primer spotmaterial to cause it to ionize and break down creates a conductivemedium from the previously open circuit.

[0031] The level of voltage to create ionization, breakdown andconsequent conduction is variable and dependent on two majorconsiderations: (1) the formula of the primer spot material; and (2) thedistance between the conductive pins.

[0032] The third step 86 of the method 80 may include maintaining theelectrical current conduction after voltage breakdown across theconductive medium to cause the metal component to vaporize. Thedischarge of the high voltage DC current across the primer spot materialcreates high heat that melts and vaporizes the metal component into aplasma gas.

[0033] For example, when aluminum is used as the metal component, analuminum oxide vapor gas is created at approximately 2,900 degreesCelsius. In addition to the high heat, a shockwave is created by thehigh voltage DC current when it arcs across the primer spot material.The reaction of the explosive material may contribute to this shockwave.The fourth step 88 of the method 80 may include maintaining the voltageacross the conductor medium to allow the current to flow by means of theplasma gas. The resulting plasma gas arc with the accompanying high heatand shockwave causes a quantity of the reactive material to react, thusboosting the heat and the shockwave in a direction towards a detonatorcharge to initiate the detonator charge.

EXAMPLE

[0034] The following example represents an embodiment of the presentinvention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0035] Mixtures of primer spot material comprising HMX explosive with10% aluminum by weight and variable amounts of graphite were tested forfiring times.

[0036] The static test was 27 kilovolts charged on a 300 pfd capacitorand then switched to the pins of the plug. Only the 10% graphite formuladid not spark or arc after multiple repeated tries on several differentplugs. When 10% graphite is mixed with the HMX explosive with 10%aluminum, the resulting formula contains 82% HMX, 9% aluminum and 9%graphite by weight. The other formulas all sparked (arced) pin to pin onevery try. This plug-only static test was a visual test, and those thatdisplayed sparking indicated the potential to shoot a detonator, thusthose plugs failed the test. When it was determined that a sample plugfailed the static test no further testing was considered, thusexplaining the n/a entries in Table 1.

[0037] The Max. No Fire test represents the maximum AC or DC voltagethat can be applied with absolutely no reactions observed in theinitiation element, including sparking or smoking. The Min. All Firetest represents the minimum DC voltage that can be applied that willcause all initiation plugs to fire.

[0038] All DC voltage function time testing was accomplished by charginga 470 microfarad capacitor to 650 V, and then switching the chargedcapacitor to the pins of the plug. The AC voltage testing wasaccomplished with a variac capable of 0 to 140 VAC adjustable. All testswere conducted with 4 foot test leads directly attached to the plugs,except for the 200 foot spool test. The 200 foot spool was 21 gage solidcopper duplex wire. Finally, the resistance of pin to pin was obtainedwith a 500 VDC megohmmeter. The results of these tests are shown inTable 1. TABLE 1 Plug Firing Tests. HMX/Al HMX/Al HMX/Al HMX/Al TestData No Graphite 5% Graphite 10% Graphite 15% Graphite Static TestFailed Failed Passed Failed Avg. Timing 34.0 μs 2.2 μs 1.4 μs 14.6 μs650 VDC Timing Range 1.6 μs-136.6 μs 1.9 μs-2.7 μs 0.6 μs-6.8 μs 0.9μs-34.0 μs 650 VDC Avg. Resistance Infinite 22.1 k ohm 7.7 k ohm 43.7 kohm 500 VDC Max. No Fire 140 VAC 120 VAC 110 VAC 130 VAC AC Voltage Max.No Fire n/a 160 VDC 140 VDC n/a DC Voltage Min. All Fire n/a 250 VDC 220VDC n/a DC Voltage 200 Ft. Spool n/a n/a 4.1 μs n/a Avg. Timing 200 Ft.Spool n/a n/a 3.2 μs-4.9 μs n/a Timing Range

[0039] It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements areillustrative of the application for the principles of the presentinvention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings anddescribed above in connection with the exemplary embodiments(s) of theinvention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat numerous modifications can be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An explosive initiation device, for initiating anelectric detonator utilizing an open circuit to decrease occurrences ofaccidental detonation, comprising: a) an initiator housing; b) at leasttwo conductor pins disposed through the initiator housing, spaced withinthe housing such that the conductor pins are electrically isolated fromone another; and c) primer spot material disposed between the conductorpins, said primer spot material comprising a mixture of reactivematerial and metal component, such that the primer spot material haselectrical properties which provide resistance to conducting electricalcurrent to maintain an open circuit condition up to a breakdown voltagedependent upon an amount of metal component in the primer spot material,and which provides a subsequent conductive medium on occurrence of anarc between the conductive pins that arises at voltages in excess of thebreakdown voltage, whereby said arc provides energy to form a plasmafrom the primer spot material.
 2. An initiation device in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the primer spot material comprises a mixture ofHMX explosive and from about 8% to about 12% aluminum particles byweight.
 3. An initiation device in accordance with claim 2, wherein theprimer spot material further comprises about 5% to about 15% graphiteparticles by weight.
 4. An initiation device in accordance with claim 1,wherein the primer spot material comprises a mixture of HMX explosiveand about 10% aluminum particles by weight.
 5. An initiation device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the primer spot material is a mixtureof HMX explosive and about 9% aluminum particles by weight and about 9%graphite particles by weight.
 6. An initiation device in accordance withclaim 1, further comprising a detonator shell containing a base charge,wherein the initiator housing is received within and coupled to thedetonator shell, where the primer spot material is located in adirection extending toward the base charge.
 7. An initiation device inaccordance with claim 1, further comprising a ferrule with an initiatorhousing end and a detonator end, wherein the initiator housing end isconfigured to couple with the initiator housing, and the detonator endis configured to couple with a detonator.
 8. A method of manufacturingan electric initiation element for a detonator with a variable range ofinitiation voltages, comprising the following steps: a) providing aninitiator housing; b) disposing at least two conductor pins through theinitiator housing, said conductor pins being spaced within the initiatorhousing such that they are electrically isolated from one another; c)providing a reactive material useful as part of a primer spot material;d) determining an amount of conductive component to achieve a range ofconduction initiation voltages; e) mixing the reactive material and theconductive component to form a primer spot material; and f) disposingthe primer spot material between the conductor pins, said primer spotmaterial having electrical properties which provide resistance toconducting electrical current to maintain an open circuit conditionprior to occurrence of a breakdown voltage dependent upon the amount ofconductive component in the primer spot material, and which provides asubsequent conductive medium on occurrence of an arc between theconductive pins that arises at voltages in excess of the breakdownvoltage, whereby said arc provides energy to form a plasma from theprimer spot material.
 9. A method of manufacturing an electricinitiation element for a detonator as in claim 8, further comprising thestep of coupling a ferrule to the initiator housing, such that theprimer spot material is located within the ferrule.
 10. A method ofmanufacturing an electric initiation element for a detonator as in claim9, wherein the step of disposing primer spot material between theconductor pins comprises the following steps: a) creating a slurry ofprimer spot material and lacquer; and b) applying the slurry to theconductor pins within the ferrule.
 11. A method of manufacturing anelectric initiation element for a detonator as in claim 9, furthercomprising the step of coupling the ferrule to a detonator.
 12. A methodof manufacturing an electric initiation element for a detonator,comprising the following steps: a) providing an initiator housing; b)disposing at least two conductor pins through the initiator housing,said conductor pins being spaced within the initiator housing such thatthey are electrically isolated from one another; and c) disposing primerspot material between the conductor pins, said primer spot materialhaving electrical properties which provide resistance to conductingelectrical current to maintain an open circuit condition, and whichprovides a subsequent conductive medium on occurrence of an arc betweenthe conductive pins, whereby said arc provides energy to form a plasmafrom the primer spot material.
 13. A method of manufacturing an electricinitiation element for a detonator as in claim 12, further comprisingthe step of coupling a ferrule to the initiator housing, such that theprimer spot material is located within the ferrule.
 14. A method ofmanufacturing an electric initiation element for a detonator as in claim13, wherein the step of disposing primer spot material between theconductor pins comprises the following steps: a) creating a slurry ofprimer spot material and lacquer; and b) applying the slurry to theconductor pins within the ferrule.
 15. A method of manufacturing anelectric initiation element for a detonator as in claim 13, furthercomprising the step of coupling the ferrule to a detonator.
 16. A methodof initiating an electric detonator, comprising the following steps: a)providing an open circuit across a primer spot material comprising amixture of a reactive material and a metal component; b) applying asufficiently high voltage to the open circuit to cause the primer spotmaterial to ionize, thus creating a conductive medium; c) maintainingthe voltage across the conductive medium to cause the metal component tovaporize and form a plasma gas, thus creating heat and a shockwave; andd) maintaining the voltage across the conductor medium to allow currentto flow by means of the plasma gas thus creating a plasma gas arc, theplasma gas arc causing the reactive material to react, thus boosting theheat and the shockwave in a direction towards a detonator charge toinitiate the detonator charge.